Following the New England Patriots’ free agency frenzy, they could still use some help with pass-catchers.
Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne fill huge holes — but, that still may not be enough to get the offense running on all cylinders. The Patriots’ leading receivers last year were Jakobi Meyers and Damiere Byrd, while Julian Edelman sat out a majority of the season with a knee injury.
Edelman reportedly is doubtful to play the entire season this year and Cam Newton will need as much help as possible — if he’s the team’s starter. The Patriots have their eye on a late-round prospect that could help add this depth and make an impact quickly. According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Patriots met with UCF wide receiver/tight end Jacob Harris.
#UCF WR/TE Jacob Harris (6-5, 219) recently made @dpbrugler's Top 10 sleepers list. The NFL is split on which position Harris will play. He's a big pass catcher.
Harris has met with the #Titans, #Patriots, #Cardinals, #49ers, #Texans, #Panthers, #Giants, #Jets, #Rams & #Raiders
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 8, 2021
Harris is 6-foot-5, 220 pounds and he runs a 4.4 40-yard dash. He also had extremely impressive numbers with a 6.51-second three-cone drill, 4.31-second short shuttle, 40.5-inch vertical jump and 133-inch broad jump. His three-cone drill is what stood out the most.
6.51 = the best WR 3-cone #NFLCombine time in the last 5️⃣ years…@HarrisJacob_16 ⚔️ #BuiltByUCF pic.twitter.com/LBPLIdevoQ
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) April 2, 2021
During his two seasons playing at UCF, Harris collected 49 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns — averaging 20.1 yards per catch. If the Patriots were to use him as a wide receiver, they’d have a tall and agile threat on the outside to compliment Agholor and Bourne.
After Harris’ successful pro day, it wouldn’t be surprising if his draft stock drastically rises to a mid-round pick.
